Grayson Announces Winner of District Congressional Art Competition, Hannah Watkins
(ORLANDO, Fla.) - Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-09) announced today the winner of his district’s 2013 Congressional Art Competition, Hannah Watkins. Each Spring, students nationwide are encouraged to submit original art to their U.S. Representatives’ offices. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity for the community to recognize and encourage young artistic talent. A panel of judges, comprised of local artists and experts, select the winning entries. The winning piece is then sent up to the U.S. Capitol, where it hangs in honor for one year.
Hannah, a high school senior at Ridge Community High School, is a Davenport resident. Her piece, entitled “Carnival,” is a colorful photograph of a carnival ride. Hannah said it was inspired by her childhood, particularly memories of a park that she used to visit as a child in Ohio. “[This piece] represents my background, the place I am coming from, where I was raised, my heritage,” Watkins said. “This is a park I always visited as a kid. I am very honored to be the winner. It’s pretty unbelievable, surreal.”
Gregory Wortham, Hannah’s art teacher, encouraged Hannah to participate in the contest. Upon hearing that Hannah won, Gregory said, “We are ecstatic. We are all so proud of her. She is a very gifted student.”
Congressman Grayson commended the competing local students for their efforts and talent. “All of the students who participated deserve recognition for their work. We have some very talented young artists in Central Florida. I would also like to extend my special congratulations to Hannah, the winner of our competition. I wish her great continued success, and I look forward to seeing the beauty that she has created each day, hanging in the halls of Congress,” he said.
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 8th Congressional District in the 111th Congress.
